USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting proposals for up to $75,000 in funding through the Conservation Innovation Grants Program to promote the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in Pennsylvania.

The deadline for applications is April 3.  Those selected will be notified by May 3.

“Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) target new on-the-ground conservation including pilots and field demonstrations and promotes opportunities for technology transfer to producers, communities, governments and other institutions,” says Acting NRCS PA State Conservationist Hosea Latshaw. “We have provided over $1.1 Million in funding for 19 state projects since 2010, and look forward to working with our partners on the next crop of CIGs to offer Pennsylvania farmers more options for sustainable production methods.”

This year, NRCS is seeking proposals for single or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, focused on soil health, precision agriculture, wildlife habitat, urban agriculture, and projects benefiting historically underserved producers and veteran farmers.

CIG does not fund research projects but makes an exception for on-farm conservation research as defined in the funding announcement. Projects must involve landowners who meet eligibility requirements for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Click Here for all the details.

Proposals should be submitted electronically. They can also be emailed in PDF format to Noel Soto, Pennsylvania CIG Program Manager, at: noel.soto@pa.usda.gov.  Hand delivered or express mailed proposals can be sent to the following address: Noel Soto, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Innovation Grants Program, 359 East Park Drive, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111.

For more information on other financial and technical assistance available, visit the NRCS Pennsylvania webpage.

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[Posted: March 3, 2017]

3/6/2017